THE 6th Kidderminster Scout Group is celebrating its 80th anniversary by hosting a reunion at the Scout hut in Chestnut Grove, Franche.

Members both past and present are being invited to attend Sunday’s celebrations, where there will be refreshments, birthday cake and a display of the history of the group.

Sally Mackillop, group Scout leader, said: “We are inviting anyone who has ever been involved with the group to drop in and pay us a visit, whether as a leader, Beaver, Cub, Scout, committee member or any other involvement.

“We’d also like to invite anyone interested in scouting to visit, as we are always recruiting children, aged six to 14, and adult helpers.”

The group was formed in September, 1934, with its headquarters in the loft of an outbuilding in the yard at Sunnyside flats.

In a meeting in September, 1957 it was decided that with an ever-growing troop, the headquarters at Sunnyside had become too cramped, so the group aimed to obtain the necessary land and build a hut.

After fundraising, it was decided that the headquarters should be placed with a local trust for the benefit of local Scouts and Guides.

The hut, which still stands on the same site today, was officially opened on September 25,1963 and cost £2000.

During the 1960s and 70s the club went from strength to strength, with two extensions to the hut being competed in 1966 and 1972.

In 1974, due to the number of Cubs wishing to join, the group decided to run two cub packs, one on a Monday and one on a Friday.

Mrs Mackillop said the group’s history had not been recorded since the early 1980s.

“We are hoping to catch up with that this year, as we still have two members who have been involved with the group for more than 40 years,” she said.

“We intend to have displays of photos and articles from our history and we’d love anyone visiting to bring any of their memories or photos with them to share with us.”